MLeague is back!

Netball is back and it started with a bang on Wednesday. Here’s the low down on this week’s games.
We start with Bayside Braves who cement their spot as early season favourites with a convincing win over a depleted reigning premiers Western Thunder 61-29. Lacking experience in goals Thunder struggled to convert as Wil Jamison Imposed himself at the back with young talent Mitch Gray. Lead in attack by James Matthews, Thunder were unable to stop the flow and ease of ball into the circle.
Fortunes were a little better for the rebranded 2013 finalists Southern Seahawks who were a surprising 24 goal winners against Eastside Saints. Lead by a solid midcourt the Seahawks didn’t look worried as they ran out convincing winners in what was shaping up to be a close game. The Seahawks took a solid victory, 68-44.
Western Ice shook off a hesitant first quarter to secure a 61-37 win over 2013 surprise packets Northern Titans. Welcoming back Rein Kivivali to MLeague in defence and a rock-solid first game from Billy Mahoney in Centre will make him one to watch for the season ahead. A solid performance from Dave Hirst was not enough to keep Titans in the game to trouble the Ice men as a well fed circle and sharp shooting from Corey Jackson pushed the lead out to an unassailable lead.
Northern Bullets avenged their loss to Kardinia Spartans in the Division 1 prelim of 2013 by inflicting a solid 51-32 defeat. Captain Josh Ellis was very solid upfront as Tim Malmo and Stephen Chambers really shut down the Spartan’s goal circle.
Newcomers Doncaster and Districts held their nerve to come up 6 goal winner 46-40 over NSEW Falcons. The boys in Blue were lead from the front by Craig Moore, with Andrew Dike providing a strong drive through the middle. The return and speed of former Opens representative was unable to lift Falcons to the win.
Coming up next week Saints and Thunder will be looking to keep each other on the losers list and damage the others chances of reaching the finals series, while Titans unfortunately run into the Braves. Ice will go in heavy favourites against Falcons and Northern Bullets will want to keep their momentum going against winners this week Doncaster.
You can view all of the results and fixtures for Men’s and Mixed here. Thanks to Insportz Knox for hosting our ladders and fixtures.
Remember to hashtag #vicmleague #mensnetball and check us out on Instagram @mens_netball_vic as we return next week with more news and views in the world of men’s netball.